Cycling through the city when pg?

[herewegoagain4749]

Hi all.

I'm 10 wks with my second pg, and 2 wks into a new job in a busy part of the city. Absolutely hating the commute, which is either a 1 to 1.5hrs horrid bus ride or train, then subway. Both are massively busy (rarely get a seat), smelly, and make me retch - not to mention expensive and time-consuming! I used to cycle to work and I miss it, would love to do it now to avoid the crowds, but hubby is not keen given the pg.

The cycle would only take about 30mins, I'd go slow (I'm a slow cyclist anyway), and be off road where possible (which isn't much). Is it too risky?? I'd be happier doing it on a daily basis (not to mention fitter), but would feel beyond guilty if anything happened.....what do you think? Anyone in a similar situation?

Could not be more chuffed with all your responses, thanks! Was honestly expecting a lot of judgemental, 'I think you're selfish for taking the risk'-type replies. Two days done and already feeling better :-)

Great idea with the NextBike - I'll def consider using those a bit later on when the bump is an issue (although weather might become the bigger issue fairly soon - this is Scotland after all...)

I'm off to buy something stretchy and high-vis!

I cycled when pg with no 3, with no 2 on the front and no 1 on the back - not long distances, but in inner London. Fab way of getting around.

You really really really want to avoid falling off, so be super-careful in the rain, specially if it rains after a long dry period, and the road is greasy.

Yay I'm glad you went for it and are enjoying it. I cycled to work before getting pregnant but I gave it up pretty quickly because my commute was all on the road and really quite stressful (on some of Cardiff's busiest roads, especially during rush hour). I used to get quite anxious doing it so figured I'd rather just spend more time on the bus reading.

Good job really, because as my pregnancy progressed I got more and more clumsy and have had so many accidents that have landed me in hospital, I'd hate to throw a bike (and cars!) into the mix too

But your circumstances are so different to mine, if I had a nicer route I'd still do it (albeit a lot slower I think!)

I forgot to say when i was pregnant with DC2, in one of my work risk assessments they suggested giving me an extra half hour before classing me as 'late' in the mornings. This was because I couldn't drop DC1 at nursery any earlier so they didn't want me racing in if I'd been delayed at nursery. I think I was only late once but it was good to have the pressure taken off.

If you're comfy while riding then definitely go for it!
The bumps bothered me, in my first pregnancy I was already cycling to work along roads but it could be a bit hairy traffic wise, and it was winter so dark, so that added a bit of risk. I felt too tired to do it safely in the first trimester and in the second the boneshaking bumps from potholes worried me so I didn't start the commute again although I did a few slow weekend rides. I was pregnant again in August and cycled to work once, now the commute is along towpaths so no risk from traffic but it can be a bit bumpy. Again the bumps really made me feel uncomfy and I said I wouldn't do it again. Sadly the pregnancy didn't last. But next time I would assess again, and see how I feel. Listen to your body.

I cycled all the way through my pregnancy, and even went cycle touring for two weeks when I was 18 weeks pg. On that trip I found hot days were more tiring than usual, so we just took it a bit easier. I kept commuting (in London) until I was 34 weeks, and generally found it easier and less tiring than walking. Do what's right for you - there may be some days when you just don't feel like it, particularly if the weather's bad, but if you've got a route you're comfortable with, and you're generally feeling well in yourself, go for it!

Cycling is a fab form of exercise. I wish I could cycle to work instead of taking the tube - much nicer!

I'm 29 weeks and still cycling - 2 hours non stop in the bag today and 3 hours Monday. All on busy roads, no cycle paths and roads with speed limits varying between 30 - 50. I've been cycling pretty much daily for over 8 years covering about 6,000 miles a year. It's a mix of commuting, fun, racing, touring and training. In that time I've crashed three times... all racing all due to other racers (not cars!!). I was actually 6 weeks pregnant when I had my third crash and hit the deck at 36mph. The health benefits for me and baby far outweigh the 'risks.' I stopped racing, but only because I've got a bit too slow.

The only thing that stops me is if I have that awful tiredness.

I'm just getting to a point where I'll need to make some adjustments to my position on my road bike - shorter stem and raise the bars. I intend to keep going as long as I can.

I've no issues with balance or swinging my leg over/ off my bike.

I've found wearing bibs that zip to just below the neck excellent for supporting the bump and holding it in (Rapha and DHB both have this design on some of their bottoms). I don't own anything without a bib, but certainly wouldn't entertain the idea of wearing anything that stops at the waist now, urgh, it'd be so uncomfy now. I'm just wearing my normal pre-pregnancy bibs. I started wearing my partners kit (tops/ gillet/ w.proof jacket) from 20 weeks as mine had become too tight.

I did swop to a rack and pannier for commuting as I found carrying a bag become really uncomfortable from about 18 weeks.

It really irritates me when people make comments about 'safety', express surprise or question weather it is safe for me to be cycling... same folk never batted an eyelid pre-pregnancy. I've been made to feel like some kind of reckless irrisponsible fool (needless to say I put these people in their place). Surely it's just as blooming awful to be knocked off when not pregnant as it is when pregnant?! I'm not a baby carrying vessel.